Wednesday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 6/12/2013

More Americans quit jobs, a sign of confidence

More Americans are quitting their jobs, suggesting many are growing more confident in the job market. Most workers quit their jobs when they have a new position or feel confident that they can find one quickly. And when they do, it opens up more opportunities for other Americans, including the unemployed. [Source: Associated Press]

Three companies competing to fly NASA astronauts to the International Space Station expect to increase their local activity in the second half of this year, executives said Tuesday. NASA last year awarded the companies a combined $1.1 billion to complete designs of commercial transportation systems that could fly NASA astronauts to the station by 2017. [Source: Florida Today]

STEM jobs more than engineering and computers

While South Florida can't compete on STEM jobs with tech hubs like Seattle and Silicon Valley, more STEM skills are being required in manufacturing and construction, said Jonathan Rockwell, senior research fellow and author of the report, "The Hidden STEM Economy." [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Universal exec next Visit Florida chairman

Universal Orlando's director of national and group sales is the 2013-14 chairman of Visit Florida, the state's tourism-marketing arm. Tammy Gustafson, who joined Universal in 1997 as part of the marketing team for its Universal Studios theme park, succeeds Glenn Hastings, executive director of the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, as chairman of the organization. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Lee County hiring forecast weakest in the nation[Fort Myers News-Press] Hiring prospects in Lee County are expected to be the weakest in the nation from July to September as seasonal job losses in stores and hotels offset gains in health care and construction, according to a national survey.

› BCC, port establish internship program[Florida Today] Brevard Community College President James Richey on Tuesday announced an agreement with Port Canaveral to establish an internship program with the port, with students focusing on marketing, tourism and business development.